2 The Friendship?

"Jess, could you help to get the cutleries for the party? And will you be reaching soon? Some of our guests have arrived" Madeline enquired over the phone.

That was more or less one of the very first memories of how my friendship with Jerome started. We were 12 years old then and many things have changed since then. I am not too sure if things have changed for the better or for the worse. But one thing for sure, we did not start off seeing each other eye to eye.

"Yeah sure, I will get some along the way," I replied, almost too unwillingly. The thought of meeting our "guests" was the least entertaining part of the evening. A very non-Christian way of thinking, that is for sure, but I really could not help myself. "Forgive me Lord" I sighed, as I crouched down to pick up some forks and spoons from the bottom shelf in the Supermarket. I must admit, not all Christians are saintly. I mean we try to be saintly, but sometimes our human nature just fails us.

I dragged myself to Church knowing very well I would have to face the sore sight of Marcus and Jerome. "Attention seeking duo" I sulked at that thought.

" Hello!" I threw the door open in the most glamorous way a 12-year-old can manage.

"Jess you are here!" Kellina chimed. She was always so delightful and loveable. Kellina is two years older than me. And did I mention, she is very attractive for a 14-year-old. Many boys were swooning over her.

"I got the cutleries! I am sorry for being late." I replied.

"Jessica." Jerome nodded at my direction in the I-am-too-cool-for-you attitude. He did not seem too happy to see me. Well, at least we were very clear that the feeling was mutual.

I ignored that negative force and approach Madeline, Kellina's younger sister, who was a year older than me. She was busy laying out our dinner on the table. We decided to do dinner potluck style for this year's party. The party is an annual affair where my cell group invites other cell groups from around the area for a cozy get-together. I brought cocktail sausages to the party because, I kid you not, that is probably the only edible thing that I know how to prepare.  

"Marcus and Jerome are here," I grimaced while laying out my delicate cocktail sausages.

"Yeah they are, irritating brats" Madeline scowled at them. There was a defined line drawn between us and the boys. None of us liked them very much.

The party began shortly after everyone settled in. The older boys were here too. Kellina and Madeline joined in their conversation. I was too shy to join them, my face would flush tomato red when I try to talk to them, so I decided to save myself from the embarrassment and focused on my food. Marcus and Jerome were at the other end of the table. They were too engrossed in their conversation to notice me. Occasionally they would blatantly ogle at Kellina.

"Anyone up for a movie?" Madeline's voice was heard. Everyone was excited. I mean, who would not be?

While everyone huddled together in front of the screen, finding a comfortable spot to plant their bottoms, Jerome, however, walked over to the drinks table and grabbed a 1.5 liters Coca Cola bottle, sat right in front of the screen, where he is very much visible to everyone, and started chucking down the soda. Everyone was pretty much stunned by his childish behavior.

"Really Jerome? You are going to finish the drink yourself?" Kellina was concerned.

"Jerome, what are you trying to prove? Quit seeking attention." I mocked.

" I am not seeking attention. I am going to finish the drink. Just watch me." Jerome answered, his voice shaking slightly.

Anyone could tell that he was not confident in finishing the drink. He was just doing so to put up a strong front. Sometimes you just wonder what crazy immature thoughts boys have in their head. The lengths they go to prove their masculinity is actually quite amazing. He actually thought that chucking a 1.5 liters bottle of Coca Cola can impress a girl! Someone should really tell them that that is like the exact opposite thing to do to chase a girl.

We decided not to waste our efforts on Jerome, he was going to feel extremely bloated later on anyway.